Testimonials
Hear directly from students, instructors, band directors, and school administrators about the impact Jazz Empowers is making in their lives. From growing confidence and creativity to building meaningful connections, these stories reflect the experiences that make our programs so valuable.
“Jazz Empowers took a chance on me, altering the course of my education for the better. Their efforts have changed countless lives including mine.”
Diego Andres Vazquez Landeros
Jazz Empowers Student
“Jazz band has made me a better overall student because it has taught me patience.”
Parker Allen
Jazz Empowers Student
“Jazz is so special because the journeys we take through the music are deeply educational.”
Jackson Hankins
Jazz Empowers Student
Melinda’s Story
A lot of the kids I teach know more music than they realize. Growing up in this city gives them access to incredible teachers and opportunities to hear great music, which opens so many doors. It’s amazing to watch their talent grow - some have only been playing for two months and are already performing full tunes and taking solos. They sound great, and it’s so rewarding to come in each week and see what they can accomplish.
Yago Vazquez, Jazz Empowers Instructor - NYC
All the communities that I've found myself a part of that I enjoy started from jazz band. It's just informed my daily way of life, too. I've learned so much from the long-lasting art form of jazz. I absolutely think that the more schools have access to music education like what we have here, the better off they are. It's amazing to see these kids connect with this music that they wouldn't have even known about if it wasn't for jazz band."
Marco Lopez, Jazz Empowers Instructor - LA
Teaching the students here at Explore is great - its a way to give back to the community all my skills and knowledge, what I've been lucky to learn. It's great to see kids get excited about the music, give them a little bit of a reprieve, too, from all the things that they go through in school. We are making music accessible to students. We're passing down this music, keeping it alive. It's really great to feel like I'm part of that."
- Sofia Goodman, Jazz Empowers Instructor - Nashville
“Jazz Empowers has benefited my program immensely because there are things that these students would probably not have been able to experience without the financial and moral support from Jazz Empowers. I highly recommend Jazz Empowers to anyone with a jazz band or who has aspirations for starting a jazz band.”
- Dr. Ollie Liddell, Memphis Central High School, winner of 2025 Essentially Ellington
“Jazz Empowers has been essential in the growth of the jazz program at Celia Cruz High School. With their support, we have been able to bring in guest artists to work with the band and purchase much needed supplies. We could not have made it this far without the generous support and partnership that Jazz Empowers provides, and we are so excited to be representing the the northeast at the 2020 Essentially Ellington Finals.”
Penelope Smetters-Jacono
Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music - 2020 and 2025 EE Finalist
Hear From Band Directors
“We have had an incredible experience with Jazz Empowers! We are in our second year with the program and in such a short amount of time, we’ve seen our scholars grow tremendously and become confident performers and become more invested in school overall. Our partnership with Jazz Empowers has truly been transformative for the culture of our school.”
Marry Arrigo
Charter School Administrator
What Our Partner Schools Say
“Jazz Empowers has been a highlight for our school. Whenever we are doing our school tours families always ask if we have music to offer our scholars and when they hear we have a jazz band it seals the deal. Our scholars also love learning how to use instruments and perform during the finale show. It has really helped them to build their confidence and social skills. I would definitely recommend Jazz Empowers to any prospective schools.”
Rochelle Bodie
Charter School Adminstrator
